MAY 1, 1939

Full News Archive

• Headline: Turco-Soviet Talks on Straits Security. Impact: The discussions of freedom and security in the Straits led to a series of alliances that ultimately resulted in a bizarre international game of tug-of-war involving everyone from the Ottoman Empire to the Avengers. Yes, they thought they could save the world too.. Fact: Fun fact: If you think modern political discussions are complicated, try deciphering the diplomatic language of the 1930s. It's like trying to read Shakespeare while riding a roller coaster..
• Headline: Religion's Role in Democracy Explored. Impact: Rev. McKee's sermon sparked a chain reaction where people started taking religion so seriously that they formed a 'Devotion Olympics'. Spoiler: no one won, but many lost their Sunday brunch.. Fact: Did you know that preaching about democracy was once popular? Now it’s akin to discussing the best pizza toppings at a vegan convention..
• Headline: Nazi Navy's Notable Lisbon Visit. Impact: The Nazi Navy's visit to Lisbon inadvertently inspired a new genre of travel brochures: 'How to Sail with a Side of Oppression.' It became a bestseller among history buffs who love irony.. Fact: Ironically, the Nazis thought their naval power would impress the world. Today, we'd just swipe left..
• Headline: CITY AND THE FLEET TAKE TURN AS HOST; VISITORS GET FIRST-HAND VIEW OF FLEET IN THE HUDSON. Impact: The city's grand hosting of the fleet was a decisive moment that set the stage for future 'who can throw a better parade' competitions, ultimately leading to the modern-day Olympics—though thankfully without the naval vessels.. Fact: Did you know that the Hudson River can’t actually host a fleet as a permanent resident? It’s not a fan of commitment..
• Headline: FRENCH CURB BANNERS AT MAY DAY FETES; Hostile Inscriptions Barred at Vincennes Celebration. Impact: Banning hostile inscriptions at May Day celebrations created a generation of artists determined to express their angst in more creative ways, like interpretive dance and abstract art. The world is still recovering.. Fact: May Day celebrations were once all about rebellion. Now, they're mostly about having a day off and sleeping in—such progress!.
• Headline: MADISON AVE. CHURCH STARTS CENTENNIAL; Pupils of Presbyterian School Aid Ministers in Service. Impact: The centennial celebration of Madison Ave. Church turned into a 'let’s see who can out-church the other' contest, inspiring a wave of mega-churches that would later take over the landscape. Thanks a lot, Presbyterians.. Fact: Did you know that churches can have centennials? It’s like a birthday party but with more guilt and less cake..
• Headline: FINDS HITLER'S SPEECH LEFT CRISIS AS IT WAS; Daughter of Thomas Mann Tells How Nazis Dominate Young. Impact: Thomas Mann's daughter highlighting Nazi influence on youth inadvertently led to the creation of a secret society of rebellious kids who just wanted to listen to jazz and wear leather jackets. They became the original hipsters.. Fact: Funny enough, the Nazis' attempts at indoctrination led to more rebellion than they anticipated. Kids have always known how to flip the script..
• Headline: Fear of Inflation in Tax-Certificate Plan May Cause Change in Reich Financing Set-Up. Impact: The fear of inflation in tax certificate plans led to a panic that eventually inspired the invention of the modern credit card. Thanks for the debt, 1930s!. Fact: Did you know that inflation fears can lead to economic innovations? Just like how fear of missing out leads to impulsive online shopping..
• Headline: SEVERE EARTHQUAKE IN PACIFIC RECORDED; Location Not Definite--Chine Sea Suggested at Georgetown. Impact: The severe earthquake recorded in the Pacific started a trend of people selling 'earthquake insurance' that wasn't actually a thing before. The 'shaky' economy was born.. Fact: Seismographs: the original trendsetters of natural disaster tracking. Who knew they'd make us care about geology?.
• Headline: 2,000 AT SERVICE OF PRESBYTERIANS; 64 Churches in This Area Are Represented at First Joint Communion of Unit. Impact: The joint communion service among Presbyterians laid the groundwork for future inter-denominational potlucks, where food became the new theology. Spoiler: no one could agree on a casserole.. Fact: Did you know that joint services are like family reunions but with more guilt and less potato salad? Welcome to church!.